I keep cancelling Gastroscopy...

Hi All,
I've just cancelled YET another Gastroscopy- this is seriously my 5th one since my first one was booked a year ago!!
Anyone else do this?
I haven't had any major stomach issues for a while so not sure I needed it, the Gastro initially said I didn't need one and then I got H Pylori and he said the only way to know what's happening is to do one.
I book it and then the Friday roles around before the appointment on Monday and I freak out and cancel. NOW of course i'm worried I'm living with cancer or something ... so I've booked it bloody again!

Anyone else to do this? How do you overcome that fear - it's really strong for me....

I have a continuously gassy and miserable stomach. It goes for two or three weeks where I am a wind farm pretty much no matter what I eat. Then it tapers off and mellows out.

I keep thinking I should go it, not out of worry, but out of dealing with it and maybe finding out why I am so gassy (I suspect anxiety, not health anxiety, but generalized). But just when I start to think it is time to go in, I taper off, get better for a week or two.

So, I am not so much cancelling any tests--I don't mind medical testing overmuch, I take it in stride--I do generally hate going to the doctor and seem to be able to blow this particular problem off well, maybe better than I should.

You just have to bite the bullet and do the scope. I have had 4 since March 2017 and they really are not bad at sll.

Or perhaps you are avoiding it because you know that you don't really need it

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Originally Posted by Elen

Or perhaps you are avoiding it because you know that you don't really need it

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That was my thought. I know, no matter how unpleasant the procedure or test, if you're really sick, you don't care about anything other than feeling better so the fear or apprehension go by the wayside.

Positive thoughts

I think your doctor would be very concerned if you kept cancelling and he/she thought you really needed to have one done for urgent diagnostic purposes.

Yeah my Dr hasn't even mentioned it to me but me going to the Gastro was self referred, my Dr didn't think I needed to go, so yes see this is the thing, Do I really need it?
Would the Gastro Dr be telling me I really needed it and to stop cancelling if he thought it was necessary? I have booked another time to see him in October, again this constant need for reassurance....

Is there any point re-booking it when you will most likely cancel it again?

If you thought you REALLY needed it then you would go and get it done so I suspect you don't.

I know, I hear you - the Gastro said it's a good idea to get it done so he can see what's happening as I did have H Pylori back in March ... but I kept cancelling. He's never really told me I had to get it, I don't think he think I need it either but just for reassurance but now.. my anxiety mind goes ... 'what if' - what if I do have cancer - I could fight it, if I get it early enough! It's a never ending worst case scenario with logic built in there that causes chaos.

Well March is 6 months ago so do you feel you are worse and need it now?

I feel better .... but like acid reflux goes, you know what it's like, if i eat well and don't drink too much coffee I don't get it, but if you google you read cancer and barretts and no one can tell you if you have that unless you do a gastroscopy. But no i don't feel worse, I"m finally putting on weight, I'm not anemic, I"m not vomiting and I dont get food stuck in my throat - logic says I'm fine. Anxiety says I'M DYING!

---------- Post added at 23:03 ---------- Previous post was at 23:01 ----------

Plus I've had a constant GERD some days, I"ve had it for about 10 years, as long as I've had an anxiety disorder, the two seem to go hand in hand...

---------- Post added at 23:05 ---------- Previous post was at 23:03 ----------

And now of course because I"m worried about it, I've got reflux again!

So what are you taking for it?

My Dad tried to cancel his appointment once because he hates the fuss of doctor's and all that. The Doctor called him and told he didn't think that was the right choice and it semi-urgent for my Dad to go. My point is, they would hardly let you cancel the appointment that many times if they were worried and needed to test you.

Yes this is true, though because it’s a self referral my dr doesn’t know about it - but I’m sure the gastro dr would care if he was concerned. I’m not taking anything actually - if I change my diet after a day it comes right .... I’m still on the verge of just getting the damn thing as it’s the only way I will know!

---------- Post added at 23:46 ---------- Previous post was at 23:37 ----------

I just read my notes in 2016 he said I didn't need one but could have one for reassurance in 2018 he said I should have one to check for atrophy or something else because of H Pylori and something else i can't find that letter.... maybe I should go bak to my Dr to discuss as well - man they are over me there too!

If your H Pylori has cleared up you won't need an endoscopy. Did you actually have H Pylori in the first place or think you did? Have you been retested since the treatment?

I was tested for it and had to take the course of antibiotics. Finished them back in Feb, retested in March and it was clear. I really don't think I need it, I'm thinking I might see if I can get the barium meal thingy .... the gastroscopy seems really harsh and the possible side effects are terrifying.

I don't think you need anything ...other than help for your HA. You have said that you can improve discomfort by watching your diet and this seems to be the best long term plan to me. You don't want to be taking long term PPIs or similar meds when there is no clinical need for them particularly as self-help obviously works fro you.

The barium swallow test is way harsher than a gastroscopy.

Yes it's no walk in the park and takes ages to come out the other end....

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Originally Posted by pulisa

I don't think you need anything ...other than help for your HA. You have said that you can improve discomfort by watching your diet and this seems to be the best long term plan to me. You don't want to be taking long term PPIs or similar meds when there is no clinical need for them particularly as self-help obviously works fro you.

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Couldn't agree more, you have a condition that you know how to control, no point putting yourself through any more tests.

Hey All, i spoke to friend whose a Dr,he use to be my Dr and then decided to become a social worker, he's a great friend and he said that i should just bite the bullet and do the gastrosocpy. He's said that at some stage I"ll need to get one anyway as I have such constant battles with my gut. So I have booked it again for tomorrow. If i do end not doing it as I may cancel last minute (they hate me) - I"ll go back and see the gastro Dr and talk to him. why isn't there something easier to do without side effects?!

But Yes I can control this - that should mean it's fine but Dr's always scare you with the what ifs ...

Wish me luck. My heart is beating super fast and I’ve got palpitations. I’m close to walking out but guys I’m here.....I’m doing it. Will let you know how it went!!

Hi

This is just a courtesy reply to let you know that your thread was merged with another of your threads.

Please when posting on similar topics add it onto your previous post rather than starting a new one.

It is nothing personal it is just to make it easier for people to follow your story and to give you advice as a whole.

Didn’t need it! I went and he told me It’s not essential!